Ethos Music Center

Mission

• For 27 years, Ethos Music Center is dedicated to the promotion of music and music-based education, for youth in underserved communities.
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  • We believe that all children deserve the academic and social benefits of music education, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location.
  • We believe in creating inclusive programming, responsive to the communities that we serve.
  • We believe that music education has the power to create belonging and community.

Bottom Line for Portland

By investing in Ethos Music Center, you help ensure there is a ‘third space’ for student-centered learning, self-expression, and community where traditional barriers of participation and access to quality music education is upended. 

Your generous donation directly provides for subsidization of activities for students, more resources for Outreach classes including bi-lingual offerings, as well as needed funding for culturally-responsive classes and camps like our Jazz Band, Fiddle Group, and Queer Rock Band Camp. 

Quote

"As someone who didn't follow a traditional school path, the peer relationships, resources, and teachers especially helped me. I recorded an album, took lessons in conjunction with rock band classes and had people I could talk to about songwriting…there would always be people there who would help me." - Jada Braden, former student

"I enjoyed being in a positive learning environment where I was surrounded by people like me (musicians and queer people). I had so much fun talking to other campers about music and being queer. I made so many friends!" - Student feedback from Queer Rock Band Camp

“If it were not for Ethos Outreach, my daughters may have not been able to participate in lessons. We are very grateful for Ethos.” - Individual Lesson Parent

"Ethos has been hugely influential in my life from childhood experiences, to college essays, to my career. The rich community has supported my growth and identity, and allowed me to develop my personal confidence. Ethos allowed me access to music, when I wouldn't have had the opportunity otherwise, and I am so incredible grateful for that impact on my life." - Cada Thorsen, former student & current staff member

Incentives

Our business partner this year, Garnish Apparel, has generously donated three personalized Styling Appointments, each paired with a $100 gift certificate. Their locally made, limited-edition designs and iconic silhouettes make this a perfect treat for anyone who loves femme fashion or for the femme-fashion lover in your life. 
 

To celebrate the season, we’re gifting these to our 30th, 60th, and 90th donors! 

Partner(s)

Our non-profit partner this year is the excellent Youth Music Project in West Linn, OR. We also are partnering with Garnish Apparel, an unparalleled local Portland clothing boutique offering Portland-made clothing by a locally based designer. A definite must for your holiday shopping or an upcoming holiday event! 

In addition, please consider contributing to these other organizations we partner with throughout the year for programming: Hacienda CDC, Friends of Noise, IRCO, Latino Network, and Self Enhancement, Inc. 

Also, check out our neighbor on N. Killingsworth St. REClaim It! as well as our launch party partner Portland Fruit Tree Project!